The Daily Puck: Hossa Still Slumping

John has written for Rotowire.com since 2003 and serves as the beat writer for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Pittsburgh Pirates. He also contributes with a Daily Puck article every Monday. He’s worked for the Pirates for 15 years, written for the Penguins’ Web site as the first game-day editor, and rooted for the Steelers dating back to the Immaculate Reception.

Dallas Stars forward Jamie Benn returned to action Tuesday night. The Stars thought enough of Benn to feel comfortable moving James Neal to Pittsburgh, so we'll see if Benn can live up to those expectations and stay healthy.
Phoenix has won eight straight. Pat yourself on the back a few times if you drafted/auctioned/traded for defenseman Keith Yandle.
Brother on brother violence was never more in effect Tuesday night when Eric Staal crushed younger sibling Marc along the boards.Erik Johnson scored a goal in his first game for Colorado - against St. Louis. Here's to hoping he finds magic he held with the Blues last year.
The Ducks recalled goalie Ray Emery. If you're looking for a long shot, there you go.
As someone who's watched every game Alex Goligoski's played this year, I can't believe Dallas traded James Neal and Matt Niskanen for him. Of course I haven't seen much of Neal or Niskanen.
The Devils are only nine points behind the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference. Fellow puck writer, Andre Fiorentino, Lou Lamoriello is looking at you!
The NHL trade deadline is less than five days away. I can't imagine what it would be like if there wasn't a salary cap in place. I think I like the way things are set up currently. The less dumping, the better.

Who's Hot

Devin Setoguchi - He's got 14 of his season's 26 points in the last 13 games, including 10 goals. He's either quashed trade rumors or lifted his asking price. Either way, fantasy owners have benefited.Steve Mason - The Columbus tender is 6-1 in February with a pair of shutouts. Strange, but things are looking up in Blue Jacket land. They're two points out of the playoffs with 66 points, though the four teams immediately ahead of them each have 68 points.

Who's Not

Marian Hossa - Hossa has scored six times in his last 37 games. He did pick up a goal and an assist in his last game, but the Blackhawks are expecting more from their well-paid forward.Semyon Varlamov - Michal Neuvirth has played well in goal lately, and Varlamov has two wins in his last eight starts. The Caps are going with their hot hand and right now that's Neuvirth. Â

Recommended Pickup

Brett Sterling - Sterling has five points in his last six games and is available in a majority of fantasy leagues. The addition of James Neal will eat into some of his time, but he's worthy of a flier in the short run.

OttawaSergei Gonchar - Questionable, no recent updates but has missed the last two games.Jesse Winchester - Questionable, could play Wednesday following knee injury.Daniel Alfredsson - Out, expected to miss several more weeks with back injury.Peter Regin - Questionable, suffered left shoulder injury Saturday but no recent updates.

PittsburghDustin Jeffrey - Out, getting close to returning from leg injury.
Mark Letestu - Out, also making good progress and will likely be back in the next week.Chris Kunitz - Out, still hasn't gotten medical clearance to return to practice.Arron Asham - Out, was on the ice before Wednesday's practice but not close.Eric Tangradi - Out, still suffering from concussion symptoms.Mike Comrie - Out, skated before Wednesday's practice, could return late regular season/playoffs.Paul Martin - Out, suffering from injury after Patrick Sharp hit from behind Sunday.Nick Johnson - Out, not practicing with team.

PhoenixAdrian Aucoin - Questionable, missed last three games with lower body injury.Ray Whitney - Questionable, left Saturday's game with lower body injury.Ed Jovanovski - Out, will miss several weeks with orbital bone fracture.

Tampa Bay
No recently-reported injury news

EdmontonTaylor Chorney - Questionable, left Tuesday's game with apparent knee injury.Gilbert Brule - Questionable, activated from IR but team likely sticking with same lineup.

Los AngelesScott Parse - Out, had a setback with hip recovery and will miss another few weeks.Marco Sturm - Probable, expected to skate on the team's top line Wednesday.

AnaheimJonas Hiller - Out, suffering from an apparent case of vertigo.Saku Koivu - Questionable, dealing with a groin injury and could be a game-time decision.Ryan Getzlaf - Questionable, may not play Wednesday due to the impending birth of his baby.